The Lusaka Agreement of 1994 was a historical milestone in the conservation of Africa`s natural resources. Signed by twelve African countries, including Tanzania, Uganda, and Democratic Republic of Congo, the agreement aimed to combat the illegal trade of wildlife and ensure the sustainability of Africa`s flora and fauna.

The Lusaka Agreement was the first international treaty specifically addressing the illegal trade of wildlife in Africa. The illegal trade of wildlife had become a significant issue in Africa in the 1980s and 1990s, with poaching and trafficking of elephant ivory, rhino horn, and other animal products reaching an all-time high. This trade not only threatened the survival of many species but also contributed to the destabilization of local economies and governments.

The Lusaka Agreement called for the establishment of national and regional task forces to combat the illegal trade of wildlife. These task forces were to include law enforcement officials, customs officers, and wildlife conservation experts from each signatory country. The agreement also called for increased cooperation between African countries to prevent cross-border wildlife trafficking.

One of the most significant achievements of the Lusaka Agreement was the establishment of the Lusaka Agreement Task Force (LATF). The LATF is a specialized unit of the African Union Commission responsible for coordinating the implementation of the agreement and supporting its member states in their efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. The LATF has played a vital role in many successful operations, resulting in the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in the illegal trade of wildlife.

The Lusaka Agreement has been critical in reducing the illegal trade of wildlife in Africa, but there is still much work to be done. Despite increased efforts to combat the illegal trade of wildlife, it remains a significant threat to many species and their habitats in Africa. In recent years, there has been an increase in the illegal trade of pangolins, whose scales and meat are highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine.

In conclusion, the Lusaka Agreement was a significant step forward in the conservation of Africa`s natural resources. It has helped to raise awareness of the threat posed by the illegal trade of wildlife and has led to increased cooperation between African countries. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure the sustainability of Africa`s wildlife, and continued efforts are needed to combat the illegal trade of wildlife.